London High Hedge Complaints - Resolving Disputes Between Neighbours.

Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 and the High Hedges (Appeals). (England) Regulations 2005 give guidance on what constitutes a High Hedge and how the problem should be resolved between neighbours.

Download the official government guidelines on High Hedges in PDF format.

The first thing to do is have a chat with your neighbour. If this has no effect, write a letter. Finally, get in touch with your local council pay the fee (usually around £400) and make an official written complaint.

A Brief Summary of High Hedge Law

The hedge is more than 2m high

A hedge consists of two or more trees or shrubs

The hedge is formed wholly or predominantly of evergreens

Semi-evergreen trees are also included

Bamboo and ivy are not included

Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003

High Hedges (Appeals). (England) Regulations 2005

If there are deciduous trees and shrubs included in a predominately ever green hedge, then any work specified on the hedge may include these trees but the council may also decide to exclude them from work.

How We Can Help

We offer a mediation service to resolve high hedge issues between neighbours, often making it unnecessary to launch an official complaint to the council. Should you decide to go ahead and make a complaint, we can produce a High Hedge Report in support of your official complaint or an appeal against a council decision.

We have a thorough knowledge of Case Law and provide Expert Witness Services to the legal profession. Councils will often base their decision on 'Loss of Light' to a property. The law makes it clear that the loss of enjoyment of your amenity because of someone else's hedge is the main issue, and not simply loss of light.

For example, as the hedge forms a boundary onto your property, is it a safe height for you to be able to trim and prune on a regular basis? The hedge may also be causing your garden plants to die because of excessive shading and lack of rainfall. Another point to consider is that the hedge may be disproportionate to the garden space it occupies. The hedge may be oppressive and spoiling reasonable enjoyment of your property. The hedge may be on a slope and therefore even more overbearing.